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11 




THE SHEPHERn KINE 



1? Front Street 



I ■««. I III llll I 



II.. ■ a— ^. 



DAVID and JONATHAN, 



-OR- 



THE SHEPHERD KING 



A Classic Tragedy in 5 Acts, 



By Geo. A. Lafayette. 



V 












Entered according to Act of Congress in the year of onr Lord, 1889, at 
the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. D. C, by G, A. 

Lafayette. 



ICST/V. B This Play is properly protected under the Copyright 
Laws ofihe United States, and any Infringement will be prosecuted 
The right to engage in dramatic representation can be procured 
by addressing the Author, P. 0. Box, 475, Seattle, Wash 

THK PUBLISHERS. 






\ W 




GEO. A. LAFAYETTE. 



[In response to questions by pesrons apparently interested, tlie pub- 
lishers obtained the following statement as to how and why the stroy was 
written and dramatized.] 

To The Cq-operative Printers: 

I first conceived of the idea of writing- a play on the 
story of David and Jonathan in 1887, and devoted the 
greater part of two years to collecting statistics. The 
more I considered the matter the more convinced I became 
that the subject was without a superior in the annals of 
history. Not alone because of great dramatic interest and 
incident, but because of these and the other and more im- 
portant fact that it offered food for the elevation of 
dramatic studies and teaches a lesson only excelled in the 
experience of the people it represents. 

Having seen the evil effect of a morbid spirit in man, 
the idea of illustrating the two sides of a great mind was 
suggested to me in Saul, and I have sought to establish in 
Pluto, a character as an avil genius, and at the same time 
voice the unuttered sentiment so strongly prevading Saul's 
mind. The defeat of Pluto is only the agonizing mental 
conditions of Saul, for be it remembered that never did the 
king abandon his desire to kill David, however he may have 
seemed to do so by an outward show, hence, the false character 
and nature of his covenants. 

My sincere hope is that something is accomplished 
to aid in advancing the stage to its just level, and that my 
efforts will at least be in part appreciated. 

Courteously and Fraternally, 

G. A. Lafayette. 
Seattle, Wash., February 15, 1894. 



T:4?<96-uC6<t99 




Mr. Lafayette as "Pluto J 



PTAJTO "Ee grows apace instead 01 tailing down, 

Moie desparate means must be the consequence* 

pane 2S 



PREFACE. 

This is an historical play based on the history as re- 
lated in Dr. Kitto's work, and, with few exceptions, the 
words are original in use with the author, the scenes 
are taken from bible history in their entirety. It is not 
imaginative in any respect; it is all true in detail as to 
fact. 

My reader: Not a little difficult is it to treat of 
the history represented in the foliowing pages and con- 
fine the treatise to the space in propriety necessary al- 
loted to an acting play. It has taken a goodly number 
of days to accomplish it and the suject involves a story of 
interest. There is not, however, anything in the play 
that one sees in fraternity, though the narative is espec- 
ially interesting to members because of the fact that it 
deals with the other side of a subject which touches them 
most near. 

The author's aim in writing this story, as he has. on 
dramatic lines, is to provide the literary world with a 
work that embraces a distinctive nature as well as char- 
acter. We are abundantly supplied with plays that are 
devoid of stage direction outside of professional channels. 

We have also untold editions of plays adapted for the 
stage but a story that tells the tale, as an actor would 
in all but act, and at the same time gives the reader an 
opportunity to carry the actor too and form the scene 
instead of having the scene brought to the actor — so far 
as we know — is new to some extent at least, and we feel 
safe in saying that the reader will be releived of that 
task so common in story reading, viz; wading through 



PREFACE. 



V. 



lenghty explanations as to places and thoughts, because 
the stage directions abridges the former and the dia- 
logue makes the latter plain. 

Another incentive is to demonstrate, so far as possible 
to the literary world, that the "windy suspirations of 
forced breath," so common to the average novel, is an 
unnecessary feature in literary creation unless it is in- 
dulged in for the purpose of drawing fantastic pictures 
to soothe the itching ear and indulge in high sounding 
phrases. 

It is a well-known fact that the conversational part of 
the average story is sought and perused by the average 
reader and the discriptive is passed over unnoticed and 
a great deal is lost to the author as well as the reader 
in that the former has much labor for little gain and the 
latter often has to wade through a sea of sluck to obtain 
a little meat There are, to say the least, abridged in this 
class of composition and the author has, as he deems 
proper, given the character to the reader to talk to him 
and not to read about as his part. 

If this novel way of story writing takes as it should 
the author will take pleasure in giving the public some 
further and more striking works of the same class. 
That it will take we have great hopes, and firmly be- 
lieve. 

David and Jonathan from their youth up, were greatly 
attracted toward each other. Saul, who was afflicted 
with severe mental weakness, which at times unseated 
his reason, found his only relief in listening to the j y- 
ing on the harp by David, the shepherd lad, who had al- 
ways to be sent for when the king was depressed with 
these fits of morbid melancholy, and had the run of the 



VI PREFACE. 

palace with Jonathan as his playfellow. At the time 
Saul's army, awed and panic stricken by their champion 
the giant, Goliah, was in danger of defeat by the Phil- 
istines, David, the shepherd lad, again appeared as Saul's 
deliverer from trouble, and engaged to accept the giant's 
challenge — met him in single combat — killed him with 
a pebble from his sling, and brought his head to the 
king as a trophy of his victory over the Philistines. 
From this time* on, David became one of Saul's house- 
hold, and Saul had him educated with his son Jonathan 
in the art of war. Grown to manhood, his wonderful 
military achievments and victories aroused the admir- 
ation and love of the army and the people, who made 
David their ideal of all that was good and brave. This 
greatly offended Saul, fearing that while David lived, 
Jonathan had no way to inherit the kingdom. It is at 
this period that the author of the Drama takes up the 
story of Saul's jealousy and determined vengeance vac- 
illating at times, when convinced of the evident hive 
and loyalty of David for the house of Saul, he would 
load David with evidence of hiB confidence and greatful 
appreciation of his services. At others, owing to his 
mental weakness, which increased with his years, an 
hunger for vengeanoe was provoked on the slightest pre- 
tence. This is clearly illustrated in the Drama by the 
personation of Saul's evil genius in the character of 
Pluto, ever present to take advantage of Saul's evil 
moods, and with malignant suggestions destroying all 
impulse to good action, by arousing his jealousy and 
hatred to David, so aiding his vindicativeness even to a 
determination to take David's life. Through all these 
trials the brotherly love of "David and Jonathan' 



PREFACE. VII. 



stands prominently conspicuous in its steadfastness and 
constancy, in that " the soul of Jonathan was knit with 
the soul of David, and he loved him as his own soul." 

This Drama is appropriate in illustrating the lesson 
taught by all fraternal and benevolent associations. 

My apology for putting the character of Pluto into 
the cast is accounted for in the fact that it would be 
humiliating, to say the least, to cause Saul to devise and 
concoct his evil plots and execute them too, hence Pluto 
is caused to say in large part, as avered, what Saul 
thinks and delineate the evil genius, also while evincing 
largely the morbid, mental condition of the king. Pluto 
is representative of the eyil spirit that permeated Saul 
and may be said with due propriety to voice the tem- 
per working on him through an agency bent on the ac- 
complishment of evil ends. This is naturally the office 
of an evil genius. 

Saul was intellectually a giant but his moods abused 
him and caused him to abuse his friends, even his own 
son and daughter because they aaanifested an attach- 
ment for David, and his slaughter of the preisthood 
shows the extreme of his frantic temperament at times. 
These as other, things in his record were entirely with- 
out excuse. 

By these observations one can readily see how much 
folly would abound in bringing the dark side of that pic- 
ture to view in the character of Saul. It would, to say 
the least, as before observed, be humiliating to a dam- 
aging degree. 

Hence, the reflection of Saul's merry moods as well 
as his envious passions through the character of Pluto. 
Let it be remembered also, that the character of Plut rt 



VIII. PREFACE. 



reflects no part of Maphiato, while portraying Belial be- 
cause Pluto was first i n command under Mephisto and 
frequently observes his mister's will in the composition^ 
hence, the character, in so far as its distinctiveness fig- 
ures, may be said without excess, to represent the firs* 
servant of Eblis abroad on a lark being mindful of his 
master's will and desired achievments. 

It is because the critics have distorted and con- 
founded this idea that we have called attention to it. 

The other characters speak for themselves. 

G. A. Lafayette, 

Author. 




BY BRO. GEO. A. LAFAYETTE. 



INT RO D U C T I N. 



Courageous David ! Marvelous Jonathan ! 

Thy names illustrious are among the nations; 

Living thou in days of antique fame, 

A famous pattern setting for all nien. 

Because that thou didst live beneath a tyrant — 

Yet in all manly ways wert far above him — 

A principle asserts in thee most clear, 

A friendship manifest in trait most dear, 

A practice fashioned after things sublime, 

A brotherhood most perfect in its clime. 

A David sought to serve a king he loved; 

A Jonathan, though son to Saul, proved true; 

And David vanquished every deepened plot 

To cut ofl' his career in Nature's lot. 

A Jonathan was true in every way, 

A David mastered all the king's great fury. 

In these two men we find examples fashioned 

In likeness to the gods that claim obedience 

To laws and ways that rule the universe 

Because the star of friendship and true love 

^inds its adoption and its highest aim 



X. 



INTRODUCTION . 



In men of their illustrious and marked fame. 

Of charity and kindness of the heart, 

Our David plays an excellent manly part, 

For he, though Saul was in his power, 

Advantage took of no reclining hour, 

And though the king was sleeping in repose, 

His garment David cut, but not his sinews; 

This deed makes David greatest among men, 

In charity and kindness of akin 

That makes us feel the doctrine manifest 

To "man in rendering good lor every evil. 

It manifests that trait of character, 

So far as circumstance necessitates it, 

Illustrated in the words of Christ: 

" Greater love hath no man than this," 

" That a man lay down his life for his friends." 

But Jonathan, son of a jealous king, 

A spirit showed that suits a sainted king; 

Not selfish in his ways nor covetous, 

But willing to give way to nature's course, 

And see a king almoin ted of Jehovah, 

Enthroned despite the fact that he would fall 

And find a place in honored servitude, 

With one in spirit and in traits humane 

Like David, of whom we herein sing — 

A David mighty in the faith of God, 

A David full of great benevolence 

A Jonathan content that providence 

Should claim its own and find its destiny 

In whatsoe'er the fates might thus decree. 

A faltering soul of peevish, subtle spirit, 

Full of revenge and full of malfeasance; 



INTRODUCTION 



XI. 



A king unkind in every unkind way, 

Full of remorse and full of infamy — 

Such a king that sought the life of David, 

Yet David sought to serve him constantly. 

He sought to serve the will of his creator, 

And leave to him that rules, the due reminder. 

His pledge he gave to Jonathan so kind, 

In finish to a fealtj^ divine, « 

Nor ever faltered in it or dismayed. 

A prototype like this we pattern after, 

A portotype like this we emulate, 

A friendship love, and charity sublime 

In all perfection, and in all most kind 

In that we seek to follow as true men. 

Though given to us by ordinaries, 

We should at least exemplify in part 

The manliness that's in their friendship's art, 

At least in part their loves adherent obey 

Until again we're fashioned into clay. 

The lesser part, at least, we should expect, 

Nor are we fair if this we do neglect. 

Neglect it not, my brothers, in friendship; 

Neglect it not, my brothers, in true love; 

Neglect it not in truth, a virtuous balm; 

In truth, the star of Nature's pleasant calm; 

Neglect it not in Nature's own way, 

Until again we're fashioned into clay. 



David and Jonathan, 



— OR — 



THE SHEPHERD KING. 



CAST 



Saul, King of Israel. 

David, Son of Jesse. 

Jonathan, Son of Sanl and friend to David. 

Abner, Saul's Captain and Chamberlain. 

Abishai, JD ay id' 8 Comrade. 

Achish, King of Gath. 

Kabol, King of Carmel. 

Michal Daughter of Saul. 

Abigail, Wife of Nabol. 

Samuel, A prophet priest. 

Ahemilich, " " 

Deog, Saul's Courtier. 

Witch of Endor.... 

Pluto, — the evil genius — Counterpart of Saul. 

Preists, Citizens, Soldiers, Chamberlains, Attendants. 

Period, 1093 B. C. 

Scene, Gibeah and Judea. 



David and Jonathan, 

-OR — 

THE SHEPHE&D KING. 



ACT I. 

—overture- 
Scene 1. — ( The court in 5. — Several standing in 
groups conversing. — Enter Abishai r Enter Ab- 
ner 1. ) 

Abishai, Morrow, my Lord. 

Abner Good morrow, sir. 

Abishai (fc) The city seems deserted. 

Abner (f c) It seems a rare occasion, truly. 

This David has grown wonderously — 

He'll have the kingdom next. 
Abishai I think he hath no thought of it. 

True, the maidens jourmey forth 

With musical greetings, precious gifts, and incense; 

Full of mirth, responsively in song 

To the joyful strains of instrument 

To welcome his return home. 

But David craves not even this — 

The king's uncommon late at court. 

(looking toward throne) 
Abner He is in melancholy mood this morning. 
Abishai His humor seems to grow upon him 

And there seemeth to be some special cause 

For its marked exhibition now. 

I doubt not David's welcome 

Hath much concern in it. 
Abner Mayhap it hath. At least 

He doth not join the welcome. 



XIV. DAVID AND JONATHAN. 

Abishai It's much to be regreted. David's honors 

Are thus distasteful to him. 
Abner Men differ in opinion, oftentimes, 

As to such things, however, 

He is his own high master in it 

And may be in or out of humor 

As it pleases him. 
Abishai True but this justifies not 

The breach of common courtesy. 

Abner (looking 1) The king approacheth. The king! 

(king's march) 

( Enter royal guards 1 headed by Deog, and after 
movements take places at throne. All ac- 
knowledge the approach. Enter Saul, 1 e. Com- 
pany retires severally. Guards rest. Abishai and 
Abner retire to 1 f and observe Saul. ) 

Saul (c) For me they ascribe but thousand slain, 

While for David tens of thousands claim. 

Must I be abated thus, and by a rabble 

That cannot appreciate? 

I say it is a crime to thus unbraid 

A king, and make him second to his subject. 

Nay, it is treason, and a fault deserving 

The death of those possessing it. 

— music behind — 
( Enter Michal 1 e) 

Michal List to the sweet sounds of maidens' voices 

Whose cadence dying on the distant air 

Give praise to David in the field — 

And belie thy need for frown, 

For is he not thy subject, 

And the son of Jesse, 

Illustrious in our race ? 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 



15 



Saul I know he is, and, in that I have cause 

To think my kingdom's made of brittle glass. 

For was he not annointed of Jehovah 

And promised elevation to the crown? 

I say he's in my way, and out of it 

I'll have him, ere he grows too strong ! 
Michal (kneeling) I do implore and do adjure, oh king, ; 

That thou'lt he kind unto the faithful David. 

I know he is as loyal as a king 

And honors Saul above all other men. 
Saul He does. He honors me because he sees 

A chance to take advantage of and use 

My own frail nature in refusing to 

Affront the braggart giant in the field. 

What! Will a youth precede a king, 

A man in years of great maturity, 

Performing deeds to make the cheek of him 

Grow pale with shame and rage? 

And wilt thou still proclaim that I 

Am not abated and upbraided, too — 

But wherefore, dost thou love this David so 

Art fond of him? I caution thee 

To have a care, tor I'll have none of it. 

And I will devise some means to have 

This stripling reprimanded, 
(exit Saul, attended 1) 
Michal I fear, I fear, yet what I fear I know not. 

I'ts the very cluthing of my heart strings 

That twine so closely 'bout thee, love, 

That love and life make one? 

Oh Jehovah, hear: 

Though that very wrath which makes earth tremble, 



16 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 

Be lacking in the daughter of a king 

Make more steadfast in that coming 

'1 hat's given to the winged mates 

When danger's nigh. 

I trust thy guidance 

And the stars that watch my slumbers. 

I'll deem thy watchward smiles 

So thou but givest me strength 

To lead my love to safety. 

(exit Michal r) 

(enter Pluto 1) — soft tremlo- 

Pluto (c) Now David is the royal sou of Jesse — 

This the palace of the haughty Saul. 

He envies the deeds of honest David, 

The shepherd is the object of his scorn 

And he would find a way to execute it. 

Now I have tempted him, I'll help him to it. 

He is attendant of the king's own person. 

Now, let me see; now, let me see; I'll have 

Him east the son of Jesse off; I'll tempt him 

To device to have this shepherd ostracized 

By his own countrymen. He is a braggart 

A worshipper of God; a knave who has a prophecy 

That hails him as a king by birth. 

How comes a king but by the people's choice. 

The whited sepulchre he is, he will 

No doubt abuse a power if its given him; 

I'll counsel Saul to give him full command 

Of a good thousand men; he, by some act 

Will over-estimate, and then, the odium! 

His honor, it will vanish like the chaff. 

Now this will suit king Saul, and I 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 17 



Will miss my aim among the Israelites 

If I fail in it; however, if I do 

I will persuade him to som- r.iher deed 

Of like proportion and e<y <; offence 

To beat the fates that bless this David's birth 

Is my most high ambition — 

Now here comes Saul, I'll temp him. 

(retiring to throne.) 
— quick tremelo — 
(enter Saul 1, attended) 
Saul (c) Now what troubles me is how to make 
Demand for his rejection, and his condemnation. 
Pluto I'll tell you how, king Saul. 
Saul What ! How comest thou here? » 

Leave, thou evil spirit! 
Pluto Art not inclined to conquer this same David? 
Saul I am. But wherefore speakest thou? 
Pluto To aid thee in thy purposes. 
Hast thou a goodly thousand men? 
Saul I have, but now, what of them? 
Pluto Give David their command: dismiss him. 
He will be over-honored in the place 
And will, no doubt, abuse it. Canst thou 
Not see how he will fall in favor ? 

This thing performed, he works his own destruction ' 
Ha, ha, ha! Perceivest thou? 
Saul (reflectively) I do; I will dismiss him, 
From close attention on my royal person 
And give him keeping of a thousand men; 
He, by some act, will over-estimate 
His standing with the common populace 
And public disrepute will be the thing 



18 DAVIT* AND JONATHAN, 



That will attach itself to the assumption, 

Then David's star will dim and fade, 

While Saul's will shine in splendor. 

But he is cautious, I must exercise 

A care, or I shall find it different. 

Pluto, thou art a mischief, but thou servest me. 
(exit Saul, r, attended) 
Pluto Now this is my first care 

In this, my dangerous enterprise. 

When devils will foul, heinous sins perform 

They do at first suggest with honest shows 

Seeming to do their 1 subjects good in all 

And seeking in the subject a true object 

As I am doing now. Ha, ha, ha! 

Old Eblis smiles when I am affable. 

While Saul strives to finish David, 

I'll play upon his kingly sensibilities 

And make him think me king withal 

While I abuse him with impunity 

And out of his ambition make the net 

That will entrap them all. 

Now here comes David and his Jonathan 

I will give heedful note to them. 

(retires up stage, 1, takes throne.) 
(enter David and Jonathan, r) 
David Now Jonathan, have I offended him 

Im ; -?se I conquered enemies in the field? 

I di . i lie State some service in the act 

Is it offensive to protect our master? 
Jonathan It is his honor, my friend David. 

I will disuade him from his purposes. 

He is in morbid feeling since the fray 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 19 



And self condemned because he sees 

The honor you receive, while he 

As he must needs, is held in question. 
David I hope I am not guilty of offence. 

Let me be scorned; say it was the kiug 

That blessed me in the acts and thus 

The populace will be appeased. 
Jonathan Wouldst thou prevaricate avoiding honor 

To shield the hasty humor of a Icing? 

Now look you, David, I'm his son 

But let the father find his claim 

To the honor he would fain 

Establish with his subjects. 

The deeds are thine and thou shalt have 

The praise despite the envy of a king. 

My sister loves you, she and I 

Will change the testy humor of our father. 

Your deeds in the position that you have 

As leader of a goodly thousand men 

Have won you favor. Have no fear withal, 

All will be well; indeed, it must be so. 
David The king. — king's march - 

( David and Jonathan retire to 1 f. ) 
(enter Saul, r, attended.) 
Pluto (to Saul) He doth love thy daughter 

He hath declared himself. 
Saul (to David) Now David is it true that j©» 

Do love my daughter, Michal ? 
David Oh king, that I do love her is most tru* 

And I am nothing loath to confess it 

But that I thought it pleased your majesty 

I am not guilty, for I have feared 



20 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 

To even think on it. 
Saul (aside rfe) He is in tune. I'll make condition 

That will require his life ere he 

Shall cla'in the proffered offer of her hand. 
PLU'ro(to Saul)Howbeit now, if thou shouldst offer Michal 

As a trophy? She's wondrous fair — 

I have heard that heroes going forth 

To tight in battles for their country's worth 

Are braver, and do serve their country better 

When they bear in arms a woman's love, 

And this may make him fight the harder, see ? 

While I bear thee, king Saul, good company, 

And worms may feed on his mortality. 
Saul Thou seemest to dote upon 

Thy knowledge of our women. 
Pluto Aye, aye; and why not, pray; 

I know the first one 

T'was my master gave dame Ev« 

The apple in the garden. 
Saul This fruit hath spice in it 
Pluto Aye, aye; thou hast it sir, 

T'was through her Adam fell, 

As David shall through Michal. 

He'll quicken the Philistines' spear, 

And if his spear fails — thy javelin ! 
Saul I will look to it. 
Pluto (r f, aside) It shall be thy javelin— 

But he anticipates me in this thought. 

He's apt and shrewd; I'll teach him 

On more potent things. 

( Pluto retires up stage, r) 
(enter Michal, rue, down.) — tremelo -•— 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 21 

Saul She comes ! 

Michal, lovest thou this David? 
Michal You ask me do I love him. 

Father, thou ne'er didst teach me lov«. 

When wakened from my dreams, 

In sad affright, I looked into the stars 

That I might see my mother's eyes 

In tenderness on me 

And feel myself safe as in my childhood, 

I deemed that love. 

But now, if to think, and live, and. breathe 

And ask no better heaven 

Then that loved one's presence, 

1 think — I love. 
Saul Now, David, she is thine— 

That is, when you discharge 

A great requirement I have to make,. 
David What is it? Name it. 
Saul The Philistines trouble me 

Go thou unto the country near to Gath 

And by the force of arms subdue them 

And make them honor Saul 

Then come to me and claim the trophy, 

This, my daughter Michal. 
Michal Oh father, do not send him thither. 

He cannot cope such dangerous enterprise 

He will be slain and I will loose my husband ! 
Saul None but a hero should enjoy in any 

The blessings of a wife like thee. 

Let him accept the offer I have made 

And I will give him thee, but not till then. 
Jonathan David will be equal to it, I am sure. 



22 DAVID AN!) JONATHAN., 



David, my friend, gp'out and do 
; The thing the king demands. 

And I will have thee for a brother. 

j David (to Michal) Ah, Michal,, be brave, dear one. 

l To earn that, dear, deal* hand ,• • ■ ■ , < . 

\ 1 would be more content, , 
) 

Then grasp it all unworthy 1 . 

Give me th^' blessing 
\ And that one above, thoust taught me ; 

Guards our love ' ;, •, < 

Will bring me back in safety to thee. - 
I Tell me now, art thou content 

And may I claim thee for mine own 

When I return ? 
Michal Thou canst, in life or death. < 

I will be true. 
Saul (aside) Now by the Mars, see that. 

She loves him, and my Jonathan 

Calls him his friend. 

I wonder if it be deep-rooted. 

I'll prove it in the dawning future^ - 

Well, David;, What say you 

Dost thou go ? 
| David I. will;' and the everliving God of battles 

Will give me power io return a victor. 

My Michal,- now farewell— And Jonathan- 

My friend, I will enfold thee to my heart. 

(Saul starts a,ngerly) 

Thy blessing give me (kneeling)-*— 

And now, oh king, 

I will return to thee a conqueror 

To thine own house and claim my bride. 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 23 
I . . : lL 

i(exit David, 1) — Music— 

Jonathan Saul, my father and my king, I note 

Thou art displeased with David. 

What is the cause of it ? 
Saul Let him prove true and all the causes 

I have had to spurn him are of naught. 

I am contented in this enterprise. 
Joxatkan He, .will prove true, I'm sure. 
Michal And so am I. He is a loyal subject 

(exit Jonathan and Michal, rue) 
Saul He is a loyal subject and they love him. 

My people all applaud him to the echo. 

And is my kingdom not of brittle glass ? 

What shall I do if he succeeds in this ? 

I'll force to give my daughter, Michal, to him. 

Or otherwise he'll apprehend my honor. 

How am I, then, to get him' out of favor ? 
Pluto (up stage, 1) Have him killed! 

(Saul starts) 
Saul I will have Jonathan perform the deed; 

He is my heir. My argument shall be 

That he will loose. his chances for the crown 

If Dayid lives. That is, I'll do this thing 

If he returns to me a conquerer. 

I see not why the son of Jesse should 

More than another question me, 

Or why I'd hesitate to have him killed 

To guard my kingdom's safety; 

But what if Jonathan refuseth; 

What if he proves a faithful friend to David'. 

Am I not then a fool to think of him 

As subject to my purpose V 



24 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 

Pluto (behind Saul) Thou hast others — thy courtiers ! 
Saul (starts, confused) I am to much in haste I'll have 

Sufficient time to reason of it 

And in the interim I will weigh it well. 

I was not chosen king alone of courage 

But because of other qualities. 

And can I think my subjects will admire 

A coward in a king while David lives ? 
Pluto (behind Saul) He is a braggart and a knave! 
Saul( starts, amazed) I fear David as the ancient Pharai. 

Feared Moses and the Isrealites. 

I know he has the power and the brain, 

To prove a most successful adversary, 

And as a human being he must possess 

The weakness that prevades all human kind. 

He'd have my place I know he would, 

I feel it. And by the Gods I'll live 

And die a Monk, be fed on rats 

And ostracized by man before 

I'll yield the right I have, unto another. 
Pluto (skulking) That would I, sir, I would. Ha, ha, ha! 
Sual My reasons grow apace. I'm in 

And I'll wade through or leave myself 

A sacrifice upon the alter of my soul's 

Ambition to retain my own. 

(exit Saul, r, attended) — a march — 

Pluto (following to r f ) Ha, ha, ha! 

How fondly do I torture him, ha ha! 

Now he hath ruled these many years 

Despite the laws of power omnipotent, 

And though this may be called blasphemy 

Because one like myself doth voice it 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 



Yet, it is true as Jepthah himself. 
And, wonderful, as wonderful may seem 
Yet its more wonderful when devils tell the truth. 
As it in truth's not wonderful the same 
When angels he so angry as they are 
"With Saul and his foul crimes repeated — 
Kind of me to thus defend the angels — 
His envy gnaws like posion at his vitals 
It reaches his poor soul, makes him cry out 
For quarters as he has in his departure. 
And yet, to me, there's music in its knell 
For I'm happy when he's miserable; ha, ha! 
Nor aught in all the fates can satisfy me 
Until I have entwined him and the rest 
And made them subject to my master's purpose. 
(exit Pluto, 1) 

8CENE 2 

(enter David and Jonathan, r) — welcome 
Jonathan So David, you have proven victor 
David I have; the God of battles hath made me conquei'61 

In this dangerous enterprise. I met 

And vanquished all my foes, and now, 

I come to claim my prize, my Michal. 

I wonder where she is, she should be 

On hand to greet me. 
Jonathan She sees in thee a hero true, indeed 

And would her love's fond claim concede; 

But see she comes, and Saul, my father, too. 
(enter Saul and Michal, 1) 
Saul The prize is yours now, David, take her — 

The vagabond! I wish they'd killed him. —(aside) 

Now Jonathan, I'd have the courtiers 



26 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 



And 3'ou to meet me presently; 

Go, bring them to the court, I'll see tin m there, 
(at c aside) 

I'll give command to have him killed anon. 

He shall not have nor yet enjoy her long. 

(exit Saul r, frowning, exit Jonathan 1) 
David My own fair Michal, I have undergone 

A dangerous enterprise to win thy hand 

But by the Goddess of our fervent loves 

I do account that hand to me much more 

Than all the lives a thousand Davids have. 

Now, that I have thee, I am content; 

Come what may, I care not for the winters bitter spray. \ 
Michal My David, true and greatest of the great, 

The maidens of our land all honor thee, 

But I, the chosen one of all my kind 

Embrace thee and enfold thee to me; 

I am the honored maiden of the / ealm. • 

David The honor all is mine; in thee I find 

A thousand royal enjo^ ments of a kind 

Befitting kings and heroes at one time. 
Michal Nay, were I a queen, love 

Percha* ce it were in my mind to make thee king. 

Aye, now I bethink me, 

For one little horn I'll play the queen 

And weave me form these flowers a garland 

Rare as golden diadem. 

Dame Nature hands me out this sprig of tree 

For royal scepter — na^ , nay, 

Shalt be thy sword ! 

For thy brave weilding hath wrought it so. — 

Give me thy sword, 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 27 



j And thine own cloak, my David, 

ii Because worn by thee is made kingly, 

Shall be the royal robe — 

Give mi; thy robe ! (imperatively) 
| David The jest seems merry to thee, 
] But I love to see thee so 
, For form of state doth apt to 
a Keep thy girlish spirits hidden. 

Now. indeed, thou dost look every inch 

A queen, as always. 

Wilt thou wed me, then; how else may I be king. 

(lovingly) 
| Michal Perchance it is in my mind to wed the©. 

iSee, I am already weary. 
I take this diadem from my hair 
And place it on thy brow; 
And, about thy shoulders, this royal mantle. 
And in thy hand the sceptre. 

(runs from him, turns head to side to note effect) 
Nature hath crowned thee king. 

[bows knee before him, runs to him laughingly] 
And thou art indeed, my king. 
David [suddenly wratl 'Ail] Cast these trinkets aside. 

How darest thou mock me ! 
Michal Why, I vow, thou hast cast my wreath 
Of flowers down; art not ashamed ? 
Kings would have cherished them among 
Their choicest iiadems, and yet; — 
Nay, nay my David, be not wroth, 
How knowest that I mock thee. 
Thou shalt be king, 'tis prophesied. 
David My time will come, but while my master lives 



28 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 



I have no claim but faithful services. 

Let Saul live out his lease of nature 

And Day id will obedience give to him 

Though it should be an hundred years. 
Michal My ]< y.il David, brave and ever tru«. 
David My fair and winsome Michal, kind and true. 
(exit arm in arm r 2 e) 
(enter Pluto 1 u e) 
Pluto He grows apace instead of falling down. 

More desperate means must be the consequence. 

Since he has subdued the Philistines, 

And shown therein he's competent to lead, 

Also anticipated our design; _ 

To that extent we're thwarted — 

But, I'm determined as he grows, 

To enlarge my plans, direct my blowa, 

To level him to ignominious plain, 

Else, are my efforts all in vain, 

Incurring master's ire for my behavior; 

And I stand twixt a reprimand and flailer 

Receiving both if I am charged with failure; 

Hence, my determination rises-higher, 

When I see his victory may draw nigher. 
(enter David 1 perusing a scroll ) 

Thou royal son of Jesse, good morrow, sir. 

(bowing low. David frowns. Pluto blanches) 
David Who art thou, a soothsayer? 

Or some conjurer ? 
Pluto (nervously) E'en anything you plea** 

So I may gain a favor with thee. 
David What ! Thou prince of darkness ! 
Pluto (majestically) Aye, I am a prince, a king, ha, ha! 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 29 

(David returns to r f perusing) 
Now to visit Saul and tempt him more. 

(exit Pluto r. enter Jonathan hastily 1) 
j — quick tremelo — 

I Jonathan Now, David, my friend, David. 
\ David (startled) Now, what's the matter, Jonathan? 
f Jonathan My father, Saul, hath in a fit of humor 
Commanded me and all the courtiers 
To take thy life; and he is well in earnest. 
He'd have us loose no time, but have it done. 
I beg thee fly from hence away; 
Until 'I have some time to argue with him. 
; David Haw I deserved this treatment; was it for this 
I conquered great Goliah in the fie". J? 
And have subdued so many adversaries? 
I owe it to my God that thou art honest 
My noble Jonathan, I will away, 
.Ind then thou canst appease him of his aim — 
But my poor Michal. Can I not hide within t 
Jonathan Thou canst; — but get thee gone 
To some abode until I have appeased him. 
David I will go home. Adieu, my Jonathan. 

(exit David hastily r) 
Jonathan Now how to keep my father Baal 
From his fell purpose. I will in 
And plead for him at all events. 

( exit Jonathan 1. enter Pluto r) 
Pluto Ha, ha, ha. He studies military tactics well — 
Ke-'d be perfection in the manly art 
And understand the trade of war to kill. 
N <:\\ I have him in trouble, and I see 
T.r-;j Jonathan would aid him. Let himl 



30 



DAVID AND JONATHAN, 



I'll throw him into disrepiite with Saul— 

Now why not make him David's own destroyer, 

I believe I can do that, withal — 

The javelin for David. Aye, the javelin ! Ha, ha! 
(exit Pluto r. enter Saul 1) 
Saul I will charge further that they I ill him, 

This David hath tormented me enough; 

Must I be deposed because a shepherd 

Hath slain his numbers in the battle-field? 

By heavens it is time to strike. 

I'll have the shepherd killed 
(sits on throne) 

And then my fears will rise no more 

No more pale-hearted fear will visit ma 
(enter Jonathan 1) 

Now Jonathan, have you seen David? 

Have my orders been fulfilled ? 

Is he dead ? Or have the courtiers in all 

Complied with my commands? 
Jonathan Oh King, and oh my father Saul 

Why seekest thou the life of David ? 

Hath he conspired against thy life, or 

What is his fault ? If to have killed 

A monster enemy be a fault, or 

If to serve the crown and state 

In nil that signifies allegiance to 

x k g, and fealty as a subject; 

If to have loved my sister, or 

If through his virtues to have won her; 

If these be accounted as offences 

Then who of us can hope to live? 
Saul Thou argnest like an unsophisticated youth. 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 31 

Jonathan If David be destroyed or if he hath 

A sin against the crown committed, 

Then I am sure every man 

Within the realm of your great control 

Hath well deserved to die. 
Saul Thou simpleton, thou dupe, 

Have done with thy fine spun arguments, 
Jonathan Bear with me, kingly sovereign, 

I am prone to serve thee and I will 

If, after you have heard me, you command 

That it be so. But listen to his virtues, 

Not alone his faults, if he have any. 

I'm sure thou hast mistook in all 

He hath no thought to injure thee, 

But he would serve the crown and state 

And honor Saul as king and ruler. 
Saul Still pleadest thou to me for him ? Hath he not 

Forsworn himself by winning the affections 

Of my subjects? Have not the maidens 

Of my realm ascribed to him 

His tens of thousands, while to ine 

They do ascribe but thousands slain ? 

Is not this enough ? Must Saul bow down 

His head in honor of a shepherd subject? 

I'll hear no more. Now have him killed I say. 
Jonathan Thy will, oh king, but hear me: 

I love David, I know his every fault. 

He hath no envious thoughts of thee 

I feel, though thou art mighty in thy place 

That it behooves a king in mercy's name, 

To exercise that charity which comes 

Of heaven, and finds its mighty fore • 



DAVID AND JONATHAN, 



In men of mighty note. Wouldst thou 

in all thy majesty, and thy royal seat 

lie accounted guilty of a deed like this? 

Or any such a deed as conteplated ? 
Saul Men of note, of charity, nothing. 

I am one of those who believe 

In the virtue of self-preservation. 
Jonathan Now Saul, oh king, my father, sovereign. 
( kneeling) 

1 do adjure thee with all a subject's loyalty 

That thou wilt reason well thy bitterness 

And think it kind that David's greatest fault 

is that he loves his king and people, 

And made a victim of a mighty giant 

The rude disturber of our nation's peace. 

If to be free from guilt be all there needs 

To claim consideration of a king, 

Then David, I am certain, claims his own 
Saul Now art thou sure of this, Jonathan? 
Jonathak i am most sure, oh king. 

uj] I have my doubts; but for thy love 

I will forego my former commands 

And let him live more near me. 
Jonathan And proyidence will bless you for it. 

i risi ng ) — soft tremelo — 

Saul Go send him in and let him play 

Some tune upon his harp, to please, 

1 want some music here to cheer me. 

: exit Jonathan !, Saul takes up javelin, examines 
it, sets it near; frowns, enter David with harp 1) 
Sail (placing hand on javelin i 

Play me that tune I love to hear. 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 33 

(David site, prepares to play. Enter Pluto, ob- 
servingly. Saul frowns. David piny-; a strain. 
Saul throws the javelin, David dodges, Saul rises' 
frowns. Pluto strides over to David, stands 
aghast. ) 
Pluto (r f c) It has failed, by all the Gods it baa I 
— CWBmiM— 
(tremelo stops as curtain falls) 

■^ — Sad of Atti 1 ■ ■ 



I ACT II 



— OVERTURE— 

Scene 1 (exterior of David's house, or palace, in 

1. euter Pluto r) 
Pluto Now, there's nothing great, nor nothing wise 
That idle hands or brain supplies. 
And as an idle brain is truly said 
To be the devil's workshop, ha! ha! 
I have counseled Saul to kill this David 
In his bed chamber, or have him brought 
Into his presence in the palace here, and slain. 
I'll rest me here and note the consequence. 

(a brief pause — Pluto looks around significantly) 
Religion has its part in this great contest. 
The leadership of Moses is no more 
A boon companion of the Israelites. 
They are in much divided, and 'tis mete 
To work out havoc in their very midst. 
I have longvdooked for such an opportunity, 
Now here it has itself presented to me. 
I see my way marked out in this to work 
His ruin and the ruin of all Israel. 
This is my great desire and it has been 
Since Israelites were risen from brick-makers 
Ha! ha! ha! Making bricks without their straw. 
The master that I serve makes me the greater 
When I the greater mischief raise with men 
I will by divers plots and every means I can 

■ Saul to be at enmity with David 



OK THE SHEPHERD KING. 



And by the worst I'll have the worst performed. 
A monsterous bravery and subtle traitor's pains 
I will enlist to cause them both disturbance. 
Until I reach, if possible, the ruin of them all — 
But here comes Saul. I'll get me a seclusion. (retiring) 
(enter Saul, Abner and Deog, r) 

Saul Stay, some of you and guard the house. 
See that David does not 'scape me, 
And I will make you all king's courtiers. 
And in higher ways ye shall be servants' masters. 
I'll have him slain in this house, (aside) 
Bring me tidings of his whereabouts. 

(exit Abner and Deog 1) 
If he be in the house he'll ne'er escape me 
For I will have it guarded night and day. 
(Pluto comes forth near to Saul) 

Pluto I think he will pretend that he be ill 
And will decline to come on that account. 
He is a subtle and a traitorous knave. 

Saul He shall not 'scape me, be he sick o:- well 
(exit Saul 1) 

Pluto Now if he kills him I will smile, 
For it is mete, as it will gratify me - 
And I will smile serenely in content 
Because it gives my master's object to me 
And renders Saul subservient to him mora. 
Then why not smile quite pleasantly 
Befitting my endeavors and achievments 
If before the act is e'en performed, 
As he is in the house securely hemmed, 
Embraced by Michal in a jolly 'havior, 
And contentment must now prevade his mind, 



36 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 

The sun upon my plan shines full and bright 

And I may have him slain in love's true plight, 

Yes, slain while he accompanies Michal fair, 

Though her I wish no harm particular, 

As she in general serves me well enough. 

Yet him I claim, e'en at the utmost hazard. 

But, Pluto, come now, go to thy charge 

And smile in thine own pleasure, full and large, 

Ha, ha, ha. 

(exit Ptuto 1) 

Scene 2 
(interior of David's house — 2, enter David brood- 
ing, enter Michal fearful ) 
Michal Who are these men about the place 

So constant in their watching ? 

They seem to peer in at the window* 

As though to guard departure of a foe. 

I think they're of the king's attendant*. 

My David, think'st 'tis harm to thee? 
David That the king's wrath is on me I know 

Else he would not have thrown the javelin. 
Michal My husband, all through the late days 

Upon my heart a leaden sense of fear 

For thee doth choke me. 

So wrapt my soul about thee, love, 

That e'en soft breezes I am jealous 

Should touch thy brow too harshly. 

Last night I dreamed: I dreamed I saw thee, 

On a vast expanse of barren country 

As thou went, thorns sprung in thy pathway 

To tear thy sandaless feet. 

I called to thee, but my voice seemed 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 37 

Far stretched. 

And wan I fell upon the earth 

Chaos closed o'er me, 

I woke, 'twas but a dream. 
David But a dream. 
Michal What noise! (goes listens) — gentle strain — 

Good God ! Thy life, thy life! 

In jeapordy is held thy life. 

The king's wrath — Thou must fty! Love, fly. 

Before the sun doth come to make the dawn 

Thou wilt be killed ! 
David Tis even so; 

But wouldst thou make a coward of me 

To leave thee thus ? 

I cannot; will not. 
Michal Thou wilt not fly? 
David Nay. 
Mi (hal For my sake fly. 
David Aye, it is for thy sake that I stay. 
Michal Mark, my love, there is no time to loose, 

Eyen now the guards tramp before the very door. 
(David is transfixed) 

It is a mighty game, but I must match 

My women's magic 'gainst thine. 

(Takes dagger from David's hilt, goes up stage) 

See, here is thy knife. Did I not know 

I hold thee by bonds more strong 

Than prison chains, I would not 

Sever them; did I not love thy life more — 
David ~N&y, look up love, all is not lost; 

Nor do I love to see thee plunged in sorrow; 

For thy sake I will fly; 



38 DATED AND JONATHAN, • 

As yet I can't, they will discover me; 

The night is long, methinks I might 

Escape before the morning dawns. 
Michal Ah, true, true, here niayst thou not abide, 

For if they find thee, surely they 

would put thee to a dreadful death. 

When they think we are lost 

To the world in .peaceful slumber, 

We will arrange it so that I may let you down 

At rear of house from window in a, basket, 

Forsooth, it will be easy. 
David A happy thought, and we will execute it — 

But how to turn the blame from thee? 
Michal I'll claim that you are ill, abed 

And cannot be disturbed, until you've had 

Sufficient time to fly, and then 

I'll satisfy the king by some means. 
David 'Tis well, now let us to repose. 

At dead of night we'll practice this good deed. 

Oh God ! That man might be an arrant knave 

And live in haunts of vile obscurity 

Before he serves a king to his discredit 

My only fault is that I love him well 

And yet for that he seeks to take my life, 

Yet in His preservation do I trust. 
Michal And so thou mayst for he will still protect 
(exit r, 3 e) . — tremelo- 



Scene 3 




( A garden in 3. Moonlight. Set house 


prac- 


tical, r, draw. Enter Abner and Deo;;-. 


Pluto 


following ) 




Abner Have you discovered aught amiss? 





OE Tl .. ;PHERD KING. 39 

i >EOG I liiivc not. 
Abxeu All is yet serene. 

They'll trap him at the early dawn, 
(exit Abner and Debg 1) 
Pluto He has them on his track. Now how we have 
This devilish worshipper of God destroyed. 
If he by an}- means escapes device 
And makes his quarters in the forests 
I'll tempt the king to follow him. 
Should he escape my contemplate design, 
I'll find a way to have reward for trouble. 

(window opens above) 
But hold a window stirs, now what is this ? 
By the great Mars it is a planned escape 
Of this same David. Shall I suffer it? (drawing) 
» Michal (at window) Thou goest, thou goest, whither 
I may not follow. 
How gladly would I give my life for thee. 

(David passes hastily over stage, r to 1 or if exterior 
thus. Pluto is near David as he alights — after 
kissing Michal at window — in threatening atti- 
tude. Cringes and pursuing in stealth as David 
exits r. ) 
Pluio Now, by the Mars ! Now where is Saul ? 
I will arouse him and confederates 
To cleave this scoundrel from the pave to chaps. 
I'll have him take his Michal from him, too. 
(exit Pluto 1) 

Scene 4 
(same as scene 2, closed. Enter Michal from 
chamber) 
Michal Within yon chamber, arranged with silken cover 



40 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 

A form of straw, 

To seem as one in deep sleep breathing, 

Enclosed within the heart and entrails of a Jamb 

Whose every throbbing of its lifeless pulse 

Doth hold in balance 

The quickening of my own true love's heart. 

Time flies. Would I had the power 

To stay too fleeting moments, 

That as they go, echo back each footfall 

Of my love on my poor aching heart. 

As takes him farther from me, 

Yet nearer safety. 

Hark ! The king's attendants; 

Like hungry wolves to pounce upon their prey. 

Thy help, oh Heaven ! 

(enter Abner and Deog o d) 
Abner Hath David yet arisen? 
Michal He is ill and cannot be disturbed, 

The thought of the king's wrath 

Hath made him most exceeding melancholy. 

I'll discover to you that he still tarries in his bed. 

See you not he breathes in heavy sleep ? 
Abner 'Tis even so. We will so apprise the king. 

(exit Abner and Deog c d) — soft strain— 

Michal My life's in danger. 

The king's wrath will run most high 

When he discovers the secret of flight; 

But then I am protecting my husband — 

He being safe what care I though I perish. 

(enter Saul, Abner and Deog c d) -quickens — 
Saul Show me the place where David lies. 

Fetch forth the bed and all ! 



McnuJ 



OS THE SHEPHESD KING. 4 1 



(attendants get bed, within man of straw) 
Set it down. Remove the clothes. 

(Saul and attendants start in amazement at re- 
velation) — qu : eker — 
What means this conduct and deception. Michal, 
Dare you deceive your father and your king ? 
Explain this deed, or by the God of Mars 
Your life shall answer for the same, —gently again — 
Michal It means, oh king, to save that Hfc 
Of him who is my life, 

I bade him flee thy jealous wrath. I have said. 
Thou canst but kill me; 
Hut when thou raiseth thy hand 
Against me, 
jf Thou killest thine own flesh 
| And spillest thine own blood. 
\ Saul Nay, I'll not kill thee; 
J But for this vile affront 

I'll take away from David your companionship 
And give it to another. 
'. L'chal Father, not king or sovereign, 
But father, thy child 
Doth plead, aye, beg for mercy. 
Saul I have said- 
Come ye to the castle and I'll there 
Make my decree in this emergency. 

(exit c d all but Michal) — msuic stops — 

\ Michal Nay, no more — would they were 
But tears to moisten on my grave. 
Relentless! But thou canst not stop 
The wind or tide, 
Or the ebbing of that life 



42 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 

_ _ I 

Tliou seest pleased to bend thy will 

Ah, breezes that touch my fevered lips 

Where'ere ray love may b • 

Waft this message as thou touch him, 

Tell him that great love which was 

Made by heaven, in heaven 'twill wait him. 

Thy kisses yet warm upon iny lips 

Pray God may turn to death's numb coldness 

Ere another snatch them back to life. 

My heart is breaking till we meet p.gai 

(exit Michal r 1 e. Enter Pluto . a e) 
Pluto (c) There's comedy in this. A man of straw. 

By hockey thou then, straw has came to 

In other ways than making rugged pillows. 

A man of straw has made a prompt divorce, 

This is a new departure in the lav 

Laid down by Moses after leaving Sinai, 

I wonder if this wrath will break the tables 

As Moses did when he returned from Sinai ? 

If a man would put away his wife, let him give 

Her a writing of divorcement; ha, ha! 

Here we have a case that's based on straw 

And yet it's strong as great Mosaic law. 

Ha, ha, ha! (exit 1) —Home Sweet Home, softly — 
Scene 5 
(a roadway in 1 in woods, closed. Lntor David 1) 5 
David Wh} 7 am I thus sought out and hunted down 

Like one who's guilty of a gross affront 

Or one that has committed an offence 

Against the laws of state and sovereignty? 

My greatest fault is that I love tins king 

And yet I'm hunted like a stricken de< r 



OK THE SHEPHERD KING. 

From place to place, and in the wilderness 

I've found my bed for nights. 

No sandals on my feet, no place to lay 

My weary head, and all because I had 

The courage and conviction of my faith 

In my Creator to deliver me 

From the Philistines' power in the field; 

I slew them in the battle field, and yet 

With him that prospered by it, it is seen 

To be my greatest fault, (pauses) 

My Michal, now, I wonder how fares she. 

I will to Samuel, he'll give me protection 

And give me succour from an angry king. 

Then I will return to Jonathan, and he 

Will aid me to appease the enraged Saul , 

And my fair Michal, I may see her too. (looking 1) 

Now here comes Jonathan, 
(enter Jonathan 1) 

Jonathan, my brother Jonathan. 
Jonathan My brother and my friend. 

(embracing) — music cease — 

Thou hast thus far escaped the king ? 
David The Almighty forefend that I should i\\-A 

A victim to his churlish disposition. 
Jonathan I think he has abandoned his intents. 
David Indeed he has not — But Michal, tell me of her. 
3 Jonathan She has been given to another. 
' David Can the gods permit it. 

I was a coward thus, to leave my post 

And cause her this disgrace, | 

But how comes it. tell the manner of it. 
1 Jonathan To save her life she said she gi 



44 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 



To your departure and the groat deception 

That followed it. The king believed her. 

And as his revenge he took her from you. 

But now, my David, are you sure 

Of right in your opinion that the king 

Intends to kill you ? 
David I am; and what is more,** I think 

He keeps you in the dark because he has 

Discovered our love for one another; 

But let Divinity have its full share. 
Jonathan Aye, with all my heart, and now, my David, | 

Thou'lt be Saul's successor to the crown of Israel. 

Nay, do not think I flatter thee, 

I know within my being this is so. 

And my true friend and brother 

I have a simple boon to ask of thee: 

That if I live when you are made our king 

That you'll be merciful to me and mine, 

And if I'm not, thou wilt the same 

Be merciful to mine for my own sake. 
David Can I deny my Jonathan, 

If anything he asks can be performed 

By David in his office, if king. 

As Jonathan will seem to have it so, 

Or even as a monk within a dungeon, 

Nay, David will discharge it to the letter. 
Jonathan In this our love be ever firm and true, 

And may the blessing of this good resolve 

Be on our seed, forever. (clasping bawls ) j 

David I say 'amen" to that with all my heart; 

Now Jonathan, commend me to my MiVImi: 

The king, no doubt, expects me at tiu- ('• ast 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 45 

But I'm aware of the great risk of being 

And will forbear the pleasure for this time 

Let the offence be what it may. 
Jonathan I think it wise to thus decide 

If your opinion of his purpose's true. 
David I'm convinced of that, my Jonathan. 

(exit David r. enter Pluto 1) 
Pluto Now Jonathan, you seem to take an interest 

In this David, the great son of Jesse. 

What is your reason for the same ? 

I'm sure you blight your own prospects 

In seeking as you do to elevate him. 

Were it not well, now think you, to be kind 

To Saul, your father, and to aid him, too 

To rid yourself of such an adversary ? 

Thou canst not be king while David lives. 
Jonathan That is true, but get the hence. 

Thou mayst tempt my father, Saul 

Because he sees his own superior, 

But I am satisfied that David should 

Be seated by the fates that made him king. 

I will not heed thee, thou art losing time 

To trifle with me or to palter thus 

Begone, I say! (exit Jonathan r) 

Pluto Now I'll have Saul kill this Jonathan 

For while he lives its clearly evident 

That I can never have his David slain. 

The arrant knave. The peevish fool. 

He loves his David so; ha, ha, ha. 

He loves his David so — 

The.javcMlin for Jonathan, aye, for Jonathan. 

(exit Pluto) — gentle strain 



46 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 

Scene 6 

(the court, a feast in 4, several seated feasting! 
and drinking. Enter Saul r, enter Jonathan 1) 
Saul Now Jonathan, this is the second clay 

Of our great feast, and David has not come. 

What means this stubborn disobedience 

Of our imperial orders ? 
Jonathan I'm sure I cannot blame him 

In view of many things that's past. 

He thinks it mete, no doubt, that he 

Should keep his presence from the feast. 
Saul Does he forget the great offence 

It is to keep his presence from me ? 
Jonathan He does, I think; and I doubt not 

He believes he's acting wisely. 

(enter Pluto, 1, with javelin; going near Saul) 
Pluto He is deceiving thee. Do not heed him. 
Saul Tut, tut, my son, do not deceive thyself; 

There is some other reason in it. 
Jonathan There is, oh king, and if it please 

Your majesty to hear it, I will tell 

The reason of his absence. 
Saul Should I not hear it; is he not a subject 

To me ? Can he stay without my full consent ? 
Jonathan Then know, oh king, that I did give 

My humble plain consent, that he 

Should absence keep from our feast 

In view of many reasons that have passed 

And others that may follow. 
Saul (If) Who gave thee right to thus agree 

That he should not obedience show 

To me and my position ? 



J 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 47 



Thou art more simple than I thought 

Aud seem to have forgotten all the claims 

To the crown head as my successor. 

Know you not that every right you have 

Is countermanded in the life of David? 

And would you have the seed of Jesse 

Claim the crown and take it from you? 

Wherefore, go you now aud fetch him 

Or send for hira that he come here 

For he shall surely < e. 

My scheme has thus i;\r failed, [aside) 
Jonathan (r f) But, my father, wherefore shall he die? 

Now then, what hath he done? I claim 

It is injustice to a subject such as he 

To even speak his name in such a way; 

I feel I cannot, will not send for him. 
Pluto (offering iavelin to Saul) Kill him with thy javelin 

He is to blame for these affairs. — quickens — 

Sail (1 f ) What ! Wilt thou thus affront me ? 

Thy friendship hath availed thee much. 

But now I will cut off thy every chance 

To see or aid him farther. — quicker — 

(Saul throws javelin, Jonathan catches it on his 
shield. Jonathan looks at Saul in disgust. Pluto 
rushes to him, bends over him in fiendish attitude) 
Pluto By the great Mars, this shot has failed. 

(struts to c, looks at Saul and Jonathan alter- 
nately.) 



CURTAIN. 

(music stops as curtain falls) 
—End of Act II— 



1 



ACT III. 

—OVERTURE— 
Scene 1 Country place. An open place before a 
cave in 1. Enter Jonathan r, with bow and ar- 
row, attended by a lad. Shoots arrow r, lad runs 
out after it.) 

Jonathan (to lad as he goes) 

Do not come back, I'll meet you in the city; 

Or, wait for me at the other end of field. 
(exit lad r 1 e. Enter David r 2 e) 
David How goes it with the king, my friend and brother? 

(they clasp one another) 
Jonathan Now, David, I'm surprised, indeed I am. 

While at the feast, Saul, in a tit of frenzy, 

Because I asked him how you have offended, 

Made a bold attempt to take niy life 

As he did yours, by throwing a javelin. 

I scarce escaped, and, withal 

I no convinced he means to kill you. 
I Now Jonathan, I do declare to heaven 

1 knew not cause that Saul can have 

Why he should spurn me, unless it be 

In that I am the son of Jesse. 

Have I offended in my services in aught? 

[t cannot be, I'm sure it cannot. 

(enter Pluto 1, approaching David) 
Pi i 'to You have offended him, and justly too, 

In that you win the people's hearts from him, 

( David frowns at Pluto, who cringes and skulks 
away) 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 49 



Jonathan The king, my father Saul, and Satin too, 

Cannot dissuade us from our purposes. 

Begone, you worker of devil's harm. 
(exit Pluto, r 3 e) 

With him, I mean with Saul the king, 

It matters not, he means to have 

The life of David anyaway; 

He will not listen to a reason given. 
David I will away and leave the comrtry; 

I'll go up nigh to Gath and it ni;ry !>e 

I'll find a means to 'scape the king's ill will. 

My Jonathan, my brother Jonathan; 

Not in the flesh but in a nearer tie — 

A tie that brings the aaanhood to the surface 

And lets the world look on the better part 

Of man in relation to hie fellows; 

Brothers, in that sense which our God 

Intended man to be his fellows brother; 

Brother in a sense which brings 

Hie inner man to more exalted view 

And lets the grosser qualities in met 

Behold itself in Nature's mirror. 

Brother in the action as the word, 

'• Compared with this crowns are nothingness. 

Glory is sound, aiid grandeur poverty." 

Adieu, ray brother, and may Jacob's God protect us. 
Jonathan He will do that, I'm satisfied he will, 

And I will do the best I can in all 

To stay the anger of my father Saul. 
David I feel we cannot fail, though this is bitter; 

It is a scourge to hard for mortal man, 

To be thus separated from our kindred. 



tiirjKE/*aim*»-wcn. BiKJi .- t, \ tTTH'tomftcXJBlBaumzxr*' 



50 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 

But Miehal, how is she ? Remember mo to her 

When you do meet her, do this my brother. 

I'm dangerous to myself ns well as thee 

While I am here. Again, adieu. (exit David r) 

Jonathan Poor fellow, to be thus hunted and 
Because he claims a virtue of the Maker 
That gave him being. He hath no more offence 
Thai! the mere babe that is unborn. 
I marvel that my lather treats him so. 
I will to the palace and aid him farther. 
(exit Jonathan 1. Enter Pluto r 2 e) 

Pluto He meddles oft and fondly for his David. 
He reasons with the king, calls me a devil, 
Ha, ha, ha! Me a devil ? I grant ye, ha, ha. 
But Eblis is my king, his captain I. 
And Jonathan is David's fondest friend; 
He loves him as he loves his own dear soul — 
He carries tales, he notes Said's acts 
And bears the news to Jesse's son, 
And thus he'd battle Saul in his attempts 
To render David useless in the realm; 
And thus, I'm hindered, by him oftentimes, 
He hides his friend then visits Saul, 
And traitor-like he gives him information 
Of what the king determines to have done. 
While with las bow and arrow plays the fool 
A lad, his suppliant tool in it appearing, 
But I shall watch him, mark me sirs, I shall 
And I'll enthrall him if its possible. 
Then having him it follows true enough 
That I'm in letter tune to fasten David 
Ha, ha, ha; yes, in better tune 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 51 



To get my grip on David, ha, ha, ha. — march — 
(exit Piuto 1. Enter Saul, attended, and Jon- 
athan r) 
i Saul Have you seen him ? Where is he? 
| Jonathan He's gone away; lie's left the realm, 

And took abode, I think, nigh unto Gath. 
Saul He's with the Philistines. There let him stay. 

He conquered them, now, with them he finds refuge. 

But if he leaves them, I will follow him 

To any part he may elect to go. 

Come, go we in and make our preparations 

To follow him. Come Jonathan. 
Jonathan I cannot countenance the act, my lord. 

I see no reason why he should be thus 

Tormented and pursued. I will not aid it. 
Saul You will not. Then stay behind; but I 

Will follow him in every place. 

(enter Pluto 1. Exit Jonathan r) 
Pluto Now great king Saul. David is with Samuel. 

He's there in disobedience to your will 

And it behooves you well to follow him. 
Saul (aside - , Ah, with the prophet priest 

I have said and follow him 1 will, (exit all but Pluto 
Pltjio The tune is ripe I have sought in vain 

To have this David reprimanded 

To have him killed or to have anything 

I could befall him to his own distraction, 

But l have failed: and must I fail in all? 

And hence b 'cause of failure he chastised; 

Having five devil call me negligent; 

Admon'sh me as .slothful for his failing 

To reach the ] o'i:i ; ;•( j ostd thrutij.h me? 



52 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 

Nay, nay; I will have Saul 

If I can have no other. 

If he follows David, as I think he will, 

He, perchance in stupor '11 fall asleep 

And then, if David find him he may kill him; 

In this event I will have captured David 

And he'll deliver me the jealous Saul, 

Now this will be a double game, ha, ha. 

At all events I will have some of them. 

Now I'll go to Gath and see the king, 

Perchance he will my ready aider be — 

I've left my charge and journeyed forth 

To have some sport; and have it I shall, too, 

Ere I return again. (pointing downward. Exit r) 
Scene 2 
— gentle strain — Palace at Gath. Achish, king 
of Gath, seated, attended Enter David as a 
captive r 
Abner (chamberlain) king, behold that David even him 

Of whom the maidens of all Israel sing 

As he who slew his thousands in the field 

The destroyer of our people, and also he 

That doth in all oppress us. Thy pleasure. 
(enter Pluto, to near king) 
Pluto That is that David that bold son of Jes:-*e 

Who slew Goliah in the battle field. 

Now do not let him 'scape thee. 
Achish I will investigate it. 
David (aside) I am discovered ! What shall I do? 

Now, I see, I'll play the madman. 
Abner To Saul they have ascribed his thousands 

But David they exalt with tens of thousands slain 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 



J David (acting mad) — quickens — 

What! Am I he they sing of? I thought I was a cat 

Or long- tailed rat, see! There he goes. Ha, pardon me 

I came to honor thee, but I find thou art surrounded 

With pirates, and the venom of the sea. 

Thou art in danger, now, believe me. 

Shall I slay them all ? This man here 

Hath sown seeds of discord in thy real — 

No, slay them thyself, oh king, 

And sprinkle their blood on David's grave. 

Poor David, poor David. 

If he were here he would weep seas of tears. 

Ha, ha; am I that David ? 

Then my father was a monk, 

Lived in a cave, fed on frogs and things most common. 

Thou hast a queen there, winsome and most fair. 

Shall she be lost and I be saved 

Or shall it be the other? 

JN o, no! Up ye men of Gath and save your queen. 

What, will ye not! Then by the gods I'll strangle thee. 

Ha, ha, ha. — quicker— 

(continuing to act mad. Rushes at guards. The 
others lay hands on him and bring him to r f c) 
Achish Lo, ye see the man is bereft of mind an 1 reason 

Then why have ye brought him to me ? 

Have I need of it that you have brought 

This one to play the madman in my presence? 

Shall such a one come in my house? 

Let him free Let him go where he pleases. 
( guards let him free) 

Ant- tL£nceforth, when abroad, be careful 

How you bring another one li'ce this before me. 



54 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 

(the guards separate. Exit David hastily r) 
David Ha, ha, Pluto, this shot has failed, ha, ha! 
Achish Disperse the company and go \ 

Ye every one to his several charge. — music ceases— 
(exit all but Pluto, severally ) j 

Pluto Now by the faith, this man is wondrous strange, j 
And yet, if crazy is that crazy does 
Man is insane he always was; 
For he sees things with his olosed eyes, 
Devoid of wings this hero flies 
To a celestial atmosphere. 
His head is gone; his body's here, 
We find him painting the unseen, 
Upon a straw he's apt to lean, 
He is a slave yet free as air 

Behold this genius privileged rare. (exit Pluto 1) 
Scene 3 
(before a cave in 2. Enter David and Abashai r, 
and several followers armed with staves) 
David Now my fellows in misfortune, 
I do intreat you here to rest awhile 
Till we have mustered up sufficient strength 
To face our common foes in battle-field. 
We'll enter in this cave from the sun's heat 
And rest our weary bones. 

(exit David and Abishai in the cave preceded by 
the soldiers. Enter Saul r, attended and followed 
by similiar soldiers) 
Saul My fellow servants and true country-men 
We'll rest us here awhile. The day is hot 
This cave will give us shelter from the sun; 
Then, after we have rested our persona 



01! THE SHEPHERD KING. 



65 



We'll follow further, after this same David 
And bring him to the much desired chastisement 
That he has merited. 
Abser Go you in my lord; we'll find a place' 
In 3 r on field beneath the shade of trees 
The place is small for all of us. 

(looking. Exit Saul into the cave; exit others 1* 
•. Enter Pluto r, saunters about) 
Pluto David is in there; Saul's there too, 
Now I will have this David kill him — 
That is I'll have him do it if I can — 
My fondest thought is that I have them there, 
And I may pierce Saul with David's spear 
At least cause him or his apt companion 
To kill him in his sleep, his soul extracting 
Thus by the use of steel give it its flight 
And I may catch saint David in the plight 
Ha, ha, ha. (exit Pluto in the cave) 

Scene 4 
(Pluto is generally observant and linger near 
Saul. As he approaches David he is threatening, 
but sneaks away before him in dread. Saul sleeps 
1 f. David and men in background. Saul stretches 
and groans. Abishai looks up, sees him, nudges 
David pointing to Saul) 
Abishia Now he is in thy power, kill him; 
And rid thyself of this great enemy, 
He'll follow thee no further. 
Pluto (to Abishai) Kill him thou; and save thy master 
(sneaking away observing. -Abishai starts amazed 
offers) 
Pluto Strike thou coward, strike him. 



i,— 



56 DAVID AND JONATHAN, I 

— I 

I 

Abishm (starts) Coward? (offering) 
David [staying Abishai] 

Jehovah forbid that I should do this thing, 
To my annointed muster, king oi Israel. 
He's divinely annointed of Jehovah 
And to lay violent hands on him 
Would be to open the way unto the crown 
By regicide; and this, I cannot do. 
I will not stretch my hand against him 
But I will give evidence of fealty. 

[advances and cuts a piece from Saul's garment 
This piece will fit the rent, and by it 
I'll prove I am not what he seems to be. 

[Saul rises and prepares to leave the place. As 

he goes — 
David , My lord, the king. 

[Saul turns, David bows low 
My sovereign, why is it that I 
Am thus pursued and hunted down 
From place to place, as one 
That's guilty of a gross offence ? 
Thy life, as thou canst see, was in my power, 
But I, not like thyself, not full of blood, 
And full of gross revenge and envious, 
Didst spare thee; look thou here; 
This piece I cut from out thy garment; 
It will fit the rent exactly; and I 
Would fain acknowledge thee as king. 
Saul My son David 

Thou worthier man of all thy people; 
Come hither to me. And now I know 
That thou shalt surely be the king, 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 57 

And that the kingdom of all Israel 
Shall be established in thy hand. 
Now therefore, promise this to me withal, 
And swear before the great Jehovah 
Tbat thou wilt not cut off my seed 
And that thou never wilt destroy 
My name from out my father's house. 
David If it be the will of Him who rule*, 
That I should be the king of Israel, 
And I, ascending to that mighty station, 
I promise thee, oh Saul, my king, 
That I will not cut off thy seed 
Or destroy thy name from out thy father's house. 

(they clasp hands. Pluto drawing, threatening 
and gnashing) 
Pluto The # vascillating knaye ! He has him now, 
But, like a fool, relents and lets him go. 
CURTAIN. 
End of Act III 



. v ~ 



ACT IV. 

Scene 1 The palace court in 4. Enter Pluto, 1 
Pluto He let Saul go, and thus I find 

That he is apt to e'en relent 

And let his victims 'scape him. 

Yet, am I bent on their destruction both; 

And I shall not forsake the battle here. 

This Saul was once inclined to the belief 

That God did visit him at divers times 

And sit in judgment on his victories. 

Now he has lost that faith, and is, withal 

Inclined to seek a conference with the oracles 

Or even with the Witch that is at Endor 

I'll visit her and she shall teach him 

What it is to claim a conference with her; 

She shall pinch him, by the Mars, she shall, 

And ii 1 fail to capture David 

I'll not rest until I catch king Saul. 

He is sceptical, I'll teach him to believe 

That Ahimelech and comrades are against him 

And cause him to destroy the prophet's followers, 

Then Saul shall be the farther in his blood; 

But now, to give him note in person — 

This Deog is a subtle apt good fellow 

He shall urge my accusation 'gainst Ahimelech. 

— march — Pluto retires to throne. Enter Saul 
attended, followed by Deog, Ahimelech and the 
priests, r. Pluto gives way, saunters near Deog 
and Ahimelech, threatens Ahimelech and coun- 



OR THE SHEPHERD KE\ T G 59 

sels Deog. 
Deog Oh king, these are the several captives 

That, gave shew bread to David in the temple 

And entertained unlawfully thy subject; 

Is it not mete that they should answer 

The great offences thus committed ? 
Saul And answer it they shall Now Ahimelech 

Didst thou not protect this covert David 

And give him shelter in thy sanctuary 

When he was fleeing from my just advance? 

And canst thou now excuse thyself? 
Ahimelech Oh king, he came to me as one / 

On errand from your majesty 

And, I aided him as I then supposed 

As one in service of his sovereign, 

JNot as a covert or a renegade. 
Deog This is not so; I was there present 

He gave to David that same shew bread 

Which it is not lawful for others to eat 

t 

Save those that are of the priesthood. \ 

And would he now excuse himself 

By claims like these ? 

(Pluto threatens Ahimelech; saunters to 1 f ) 
Saul He cannot thus excuse himself 

Nor can he give excuse to clear him. 

He gave him succour, that's enough 

And his own life shall answer it. 

Conduct him hence and kill him; (rising) 

Kill all his followers, and then 

Go thou to that city, and kill all 

That trace his lien — away. 
Pluto (aside 1 f ) 



60 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 

If David were here now, how Saul could kill him 

I wish he were, that he might join with them. 

How gratifying to me this distraction. 

(strutting about in great glee. Exit all but Saul's 
guards, Saul and Pluto, r) 
Saul The priesthood and their craftiness 

Have joined conclave against me. 

I'll rid the nation of their evil kind, 

I'll have revenge on all who succour him, 

And, in precution, finish up the work. 

He did release me in the cave when I 

Was in his power absolute, but I 

Will have his life for being such a fool. 

To be a king is nothing, but to be safe 

And soundly seated in a royal throne 

Is what I claim. This David troubles ra* 

And rest I shall not till I'm of him free, 
(enter Abner r, kneels r c 
Abner Oh king, I've news o, 'avid. 
Saul Of David ? Well, give it. 
Abner He's in the wilderness of Ziph. 
Saul There let the devil thrash him. 

(Pluto starts, scowling and gnashing) 

The vile mean renegada I'll have 

His life or loose my own attempting it. 

Go, tell my generals I would meet them, (exit Abner r 

I'll take a thousand men and after him, 

This time he cannot well, I'm sure, escape me. 

The house of Saul shall reign supreme in Israel. 

I must away, (coming down throne) 

My purpose slackens in this cold delay. 
— march — exit Saul, attended r) 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 61 

Pluto Now let the devil as they call me so 

Give hell its pains for this great vow, 

And let the curse of Adam fall en me 

If I am not well pleased with this decree; 

For he, in rage, will follow David fast 

And I may claim him in his madness dashed to pieces. 

Then broken hearted, he'll recline on me 

And my associates in mystery, ha, ha. 

Complaining of the past and failure oft 

To claim consideration of the oracles. 

His dreams are blank, I've heard him say it, 

And he has failed to gain satisfaction, 

In aught that claims a charm, as was of yore 

His custom to obtain a pleasant hearing 

From a providence— this meddling chastity 

Has made my lot a hard one man y times 

And I am bent on satisfaction fully. 

On this my every artifice attend, 

I'll falter not until I reach the end. (exit Pluto 1) 
Scene 2 
(a woods roadway in 1. Enter David and Abishai 1 
David Go you to JNabal, and tell him I would have 

Some bounties at his hands; inform him also, 

That I've protected his domain, and claim 

Consideration from him. Haste you; 

For we are much in need of sustenance. ( exit Abishai 1 

My lot grows harder, but that I've met 

A discontented band of followers, 

And by that means I can defend myself, 

I would have perished long ere this of famine, 

But I have here as good a number 

As ere took arms with anvcantain. 



62 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 

And should the testy Saul accost me now 

I'll tent him to the quick, — 

But hold, a little patience more. 

The Lord forfend that I should harm him. 

I must go to my men; they are impatient 

If I am absent fromjthem 

(exit David lie. Enter Nabal and Abishai r 2 e 
Pluto (as Nabol , inebriated) 

Who is David, and whence the son of Jesse ? 
There be many servants now-a-days 
That break away from their true masters. 
Shall I then take my bread and wine — my wine. 
My fish which I have killed for shearers 
And give it to men whom I know not? 
Go bacK to David, tell him I have none 
Of meat to give to idlers of his kind. ( Abishai r 
King Nabal' s asleep in stupor from much wine, 
I took his place. Ha, ha, ha. (exit Nable 1, 
Scene 3 

(the woods in 3. Enter David and men with 

arms, 1 2 e ) 
David Ere this the messenger should have returned, 
If he fails us, my good followers 
I think it stands us well in hand 
To find a plunder, somewhere. 
I am well determined however, to have 
Some share in Nabol's store-house, 
As I am told 'tis very bounteous. 

(the men sit. Enter Abishai r) 
Well, what says the ruler, Nabol? 
Abishai He doth deny his aid to thee, and says 
He hath no need of thee or thine 



OE THE SHEPHERD KING. 03 

With mine own hands. 

Depart in peace, fair madam, 

My men, we will in yonder place 

Enjoy the good things brought to us — 

I see, fair dame, you have safe conduct 

So it boots not that I should offer it; 

Hence, my kindest wishes now attend thee, 
(exit Abigail r. Exit David's followers 1) 

Come Abishai, let us to camp. I feel 

As though mine eyes would close despite me — 

He who ordained will aid me and deliver me, 

I claim obedience to that Providence 

Which makes men what they are, not what they geem. 

I understand that the Philistines 

Are making preparations for attack 

On Saul and his dominions. 
Abishai "Tis noised abroad to that effect 

It seems most strange that they are thus presistent. 
David Well, let them have their way 

Exegiences will make and unmake men at will 

The King of Kings forfend that he should fall 

A victim to their disposition. 

Their army assembles in the field — 

Look their leader coming toward us — 

Come, let us to our quarters. (enter Jonathan 1 

Jonathan David, my brother, has thou subdued 

The wrathful purpose of the king ? 

Thy God hath not forsaken thee. 
David Nay, brother Jonathan, he hath not 

Delivered me; and may I serve 

The purpose of his will in all, 

But thou my benefactor, my preserver, 



\ 



64 



DAVID AND JONATHAN, 



And would enquire, who is this David, 
Or the son of Jesse. Bluntly saying 
That there be divers servants who 
Do break away from their true masters. 

David And he spake thus of me? 

Abishia He did my lord. 

David Then by the valiant Mars — quick tremelo 

I will convince him that I am no servant 
And will have some share in his own goods 
I'll have some part in these, his many treasures. 
Equip your arms, my good men (arms are taken up) 
And we will go to mete out chastisement 
To such a slothful wretch as he, 
That seems to have no fair appreciation 
Of our protection of his vast possessions 
Come one and all. (advancing to c. Enter Abigail r f 
What message madam ? — music oeases — 

Abigail Now David, stay thy wrath. I have 
Much bounteous gifts for thee without 
And will submit that Nabol was 
A foolish king to thus deny thee — 
It was a blockhead's insult — 
But he had been much at wine and did not see 
The importance of your message, 
And well I know great David, Jesse's son, 
Fate never wounds more deep the generous heart 
Then when a blockhead's insult points the dart. 

David I thank the Great Provider 
That thou hast come between 
The wrath that did infest my very being 
For thou has come in the good nick of time 
To keep me from shedding king Nabol's blood 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 



Let me enfold thee and hold thee 

In my heart of hearts. Thou art 

A man taken for all in all who is 

The equal of the best that ere was born. 
Jonathan I have done my duty and the rest 

Leave that to heaven — so that I am honest 

And so I serve the office of a man 

I am content — but, look you. 

The Philistines are arranged in yonder field 

And I am sure they mean hostilities, 

My father Saul is much distressed 

At their assemblage for the battle. 

His sins come fast and thick upon him. 
Abishai It is time, He hath in much offended. 
Jonathan He hath, and Providence must deal with him 
David I trust He'll still forgive him, 

And let him live the lease of life. 

Come Jonathan, let us to our quarters, 

And then thou wilt tell me all the news, 
(exeunt 1. Enter Saul and Abner r) 
Saul David hath escaped me often times 

But I'll transfix him ere I leave 

These sections for the palace. 
Abner I am dismayed that it should take so long 

To hunt this fellow to his lair 

I'm sure he has no claim on you 

And how he gaines his arms and aid 

Is a mystery to the best of us. 
Saul The Philistines, those rugged adversaries, 

They're the ones that aid him. 

They think to make him their companion. 

I'll have none of it — I'll put an end to him. 



66 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 

. \ 

Give your order that the men retire 

i 
And look you, pray for me to night, 

I think I will much need thy supplication, 

And find me out some sorceress, 

Find one that claims to have communication 

With supernatural powers, if they exist, 

I have banished all their kind but find one. 

Thou mayest agree also that I'll not kill them 

As I in temper did before decree. 
Abner My lord I'll serve your majesty 

In all that's possible. (exit Abner 1) 

Saul That I have persecuted David, it is true 

But that this is the worst, is not so true 

I have defamed my sacred sceptered charge 

And made a wanton of my kingly office — 

I will unto the sorceress, betimes, 

And by the worst I'll know the worst that is 

To fall on me and my household. 

My dreams are blank. I have no way 

By urim or by prophecies 

To trace my destiny. My own device 

Must settle this affair for me. (enter Pluto 1) 

Pluto King Saul I do entreat a word with thee. 
(Saul stands to listen) 

Go to the Witch of Endor. She will advise 

And aid thee in thy needs. 

She is an oracle and witch combined 

And will in all, suit thy needs the best. 

Then, to her. I am pleased to see that thou 

Wilt listen to me thus. For I am much 

Inclined to aid thee in thy trouble 

Make haste and strike the heated iron. (exit Saul r) 



OK THE SHEPHERD KING. 67 

Now, I will to see the Witch of Endor 

I'll have her counsel him to his destruction. 

We have him on the rack; we'll hold him, 

We'll make him feel the dreaded stroke 

Of his remorse and make him see 

That he who prospers in his sin 

Will fall, ere he doth reach the goal, 

Though he may revel in prosperity. 

Obliging am I not 

To thus instruct the clergy. 

He's been a potent instrument for in, 

We do appreciate the efforts made — 

But loosing all our aims at Jesse's son 

It now remains for us to fasten Saul 

And make him pay the dreaded penalty. 

But I scent the evening's dampness, 

I must away to counsel her 

Ere Saul doth meet and seek her aid. (exit Pluto r) 
Scene 4 
(a dark cave in 4. Witch of Endor seated near 
a caldron. ) — soft strains — 

Witch He must be here anon. This Saul 

Seeks me because the God he served 

Hath utterly forsaken him — Well let him! 

We'll serve him to his taste, should he 

As I have no doubt he will, confide in me. 
(enter Pluto 1) 
Pluto Now gaze on me; admiring wonder view 

For Pluto really hath a matchless clue — 

Hath Saul come hither yet ? 
Witch He still tarries, but I'm prepared for him. 

Ha, ha, ha! I wait my chance to pinch him, 



(58 



DAVID AND JONATHAN. 



As 1- uu didst say, as thou didst say. 
Ah, ha. I'll pinch the gizzard out of hiin, 
The scurry trifling king, to think 
That he hath dealt with God so long 
And thus neglect us. Let him come 
Yes, let him come, I'm ready. 

Pluto Is it not marvelous how the dastard David 
Doth escape us and our great divices — 
I would like to pinch him, how I would — 
The milk and water knave, to think 
That he should have our object 
In his power and let him live 
Oh, horrors! but it makes my bristles 
Stand toward my head like frightful quills 
And, what is worse, his presence conquers me 
While Eblis, doth reprimand me oft 
Complaining of my courage and achievments. 
Didst ever note his frown, there's angels in it, 
The angel Gabriel left his mark upon him — 
Between which smile and my dread master, I 
Am like the corn in a miller's hopper. 
And Jonathan, he is another of them — 
If we could catch one victim of their kind 
It were a jewel in our crown more bright 
Than captivating a good thousand Sauls. 

(knock at door) 
But hold, what noise! Who comes? 

"Witch I think it be king Saul, a king! 
And yet be must my counsel seek— 
Is not this victory- -I'll let him enter 
And I'll iortell his doom ere he departs. 

— quick tremelo — Witch opens doo.\ Enter 



Saul 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING G9 

disguised, attended by Abner and Deog r 3 e ) 
King Saul, why comest thou to see the hag > 
Hast thy oracles and thy prophets failed thee? 

Saul Thou art skilled in the art of necromancy? 

Witch That, am I; and, I can read thy mind as well. 
Thou thinkest to deceive the Witch of Endor, 
But know, King Saul, that I can read thy soni 
And tell the future in the instant. TV>a &■* i 
As near the brink of ruin as ever ma* 
Was wont to be and still retain his life, 
The spirit of chastisement follows thee! 

Saul Upbraid me not. I come to counsel with thee, 
Not to list to thy blasphemous tongue 
I would some knowledge gain of the great spirits 
That have forsaken me in dreams the urim and 
The thummim of the priestly breast plate oracles 
And all the other ways that they were wont 
To visit me before time. Thy life is safe 
I'll not command thy killing only serve me. 

Witch Ah, thou comest in thy necessity to see 
The hag at Endor. If she did serve thee rigb* 
She would withhold her counsel from thee — 
But unfold, what is thy need and thy reward ? 
I will describe to thee as best I can thv fvtur* 
Cross my palm with any mean amount 
And I will witness thee thj' punishment— 
Thou hast so long served the great (}>>& <*f IsresJ 
Now serve thyself thou much deposed king 

Pluto Yes, serve thyself that did l»t Da-Md go 
Thou coward king, thou weakling I 
I Saul (starting) I would both of thy aids enlist 
That I may behold the spirit of great Samuel 



: -jUi«.*«M^r« , rt^-:.cis!a<Wrjr J v 



70 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 



Bid him come before me that I may know 
The worst by every means, that I may learn 
The future of my course from his true lips. 

Witch Then be it so: Behold, there he stands! 
Now counsel him and learn thy destiny. 

(A curtain is drawn as the Witch speaks disclos- 
ing the form of Samuel as one amidst the Hu.-Line 
with rent garment. Pluto is amazed) 

Saul Great Samuel, I have persecuted thee 
But tell me, in despair, my destiny 
I would by this invoking know the worst from thee. 
(Kneeling agonizingly) 

Witoh Speak to him by the power of the Witch of End or 

Samuel Oh Saul, thou once annointed king of Israel 
That has in divers ways defiled thy trust, 
Especially in that thou hast still pursued 
The life of one annointed of the Lord 
And sought to kill the future of King David, 
And, in so many other ways traduced 
The sceptered power and made of it a wanton. 
Know that the doom long promised to thy house 
Is now to be fulfilled, and desolation 
Will come to it ere many suns do set. 
Tomorrow Israel shall be given up 
To the Philistines, and tomorrow, too, 
Saul and his sons shall number with the dead 
For not that Jonathan hath done a wrong 
But that he bears the company of a king 
Who hath forfeited all claims to heaven's kindly smiles 
He fcha" fall, too, though in it I dispair 
Tor 1 < i hath been a friend to David — 
Nol n ■• in name but in the practice — 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING 71 

This is thy doom, and it shall come to thee 

In the great battle field of Esdrealon. 

Dismiss me; it is enough. Thy doom is sealed ! 

(Samuel disappears. Saul again falls despairing. 
The Witch and Pluto bend over him in threaten- 
ing attitude) 
Witch Thou king; yet art most weak and frail. 
Pluto Most like a sapling, full of weakness. 
Witch and Pluto Thou mighty king of Israel. Ha, ha ha 
QURTAIN. 
End of Act 4= 



ACT V. 

■ 

Soeste 1 The battlefield of Esdraelon Enter 

David, Achish and Abishai followed by soldiers 1- j 

— march — end march when entered) \ 

AohIsh Here is the field where Saul mast [all 

i 

A victim to the Philistines' wrath He hath 

Been long a conquerer of our nation 

But now we'll put him to the sword 

Ere sun doth set, 

And then thou, my David, hath promised us 

That we shall have thy aid in this. 
David The past hath well secured its faith in this, 

And thou hast only left to lead thy men 

Unto the battle. Then lead them on. 
Achish Lead on your troups to yonder field ! 

( — march-exit Achish r,followed by all but David 
and Abishai — end march — 
David Now he expects that we'll co-operate in this 

But I've determined to eyade him 

That Saul will fall I am assured 

But I shall aid in naught the enterprise 

For I am still inclined to let the God 

I serve dispose of him as he thinks best. 
Abishia We should but aid in killing such a king. 
David Withhold thy wrath and follow me, 

We will conceal ourselves until the end 

Of this conflict in arms. 

(exeunt David and Abishai 1 up stage — march — 
Enter Saul, Jonathan and Abner 1 t i olio wed by 
an army — march ends — 






OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 73 

Saul (looking off r) Is that the Philistines 7 camp? 
Jonathan It doth appear to be, my lord, 
Saujl Now. Jonathan, I do repent that I 

Did follow David as I have, and I 

Would fain forgiveness gain of thee in it. 

Thou wert his friend, and truly so. 
Jonathan And still am I the same. 

As I know now, that he was true — 

But, let that pass; it hath its destiny, 

We have a task this day, let us perform it. 
Saul And thimkest thou they will vanquish us? 
Jonathan I cannot tell so great a thing, my lord. 
Ajbner Fie, ne upon tie thought, my lord, 

We have at ail times vanquished them, 

And shall they now, with all our numbers 

Be victor over us! The chosen ones of Him 

Who rules the nation? Nay, not so. 

They shall be ours — I feel it in mysel£ 
Saul I hope this may be so, my Abner, 

But I despair -of it for all thy counsel, 

Yet let the fates foretell or yet decide. 

I ain in blood and wade it through 

As best I can, is my determination. — 

Xiead on your raenJ Lead on, I say3 

(exeunt all but Saul and Jonathan r) 
Jonathan If we land David, now, the victory were ours 
Sausl True, but ke in with the enemy I am told 
Jonathan I do not think ii; he is too true in nature, 

Re may not aid thee, but his strength 

"Will ne'er be bent against thee 
Saul Thickest thou 'tis true? Then I am sure 

Our chance of victory is augmented. 






74 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 

Jonathan Believe it, my lord; for I am sure of him. 
Let us to the field to cheer the soldiers, (exeunt r) 
(enter David and Abishai 1) 
David See how the battle waves as a great ocean 
And Jonathan, my friend, is in the midst 
Now may our God perserve him. 
See, Saul is flying — He comes this way. 

(clash of arms without) 
He is pursued. By heavens, I will aid him! 
Abishai Nay, 'tis against the prophecy. 
David So be it! I must evade the purpose 
Let us retire here and note the conflict. 

(retire up stage 1. Enter r and 1 two armies 
headed by Jonathan and Achish. Exeunt r fight- 
ing. Israelites pursuing, equal fall. Jonathan 
is killed. Charge ceases. Enter Saul 1) 
Saul My Jonathan, my noble son 
Now, could I weep a sea of tears — 
The conflict goes against us. (looking r) 
The Israelites retreat, my honored son 
They need thy leadership. They come — 
Great Samuel, now I see thy prophecy 
Is being fulfilled in their fell of slaughter, 
(enter Abner r) 
Abner My lord, they have us conquered 
The men are flying hither and thither 
Like chaff before the wind. 
Saul A peevish slave I am to live so long 
To see my countrymen divided thus, 
My son before mine eyes in his own gore. 
Go out and cheer the soldiers, 
Per. hance the battle yet may take a turn. 



OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 75 

Abker I'll do the best I can. 

(exit Abner r hastily. Saul draws sword, ex- 
amines it, views Jonathan, looks r) 
Saul My sonl is full. My sword hath utterance 

In this the right's avenged; and, David, 

Thou shalt be the king of Israel. ( stabs himself) 

Israel, thou art free to choose thy destiny, 
(falls and dies. Enter Pluto, advancing) 
Pluto By my spurs that was a noble thrust, 

Thy courage, sir, commands itself to me, 

In that I gain a victim for my master. 

Through thine historical establishment, 

Of man's self slaughter in the battlefield. 

And history shall in future ages furnish 

Its victims for the sword self-willed 

I've gained a Saul but lost a Jonathan, 

Because he died defending honesty, 

Embracing friendship, love and truth. 

Ah, David comes, I must away, away 

Before the master that he serves 

I bow in mute dispair. 

(retiring up stage 1. Enter David from up stage) 
David My Jonathan, my brother and my friend, 

My friend in deeds of worthy practice done. 

I do deplore thy death above all men — 

And, thou, my king, that was, 

I see myself advanced in prophecy 

By thy fell slaughter in the battle field, 

And while its promised I'll be king of Israel 

By thy departure, I would not have it so 

My oath to thee and to my Jonathan I'll keep — 

I will not cut off thy seed 



76 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 

Nor destroy thy name from out thy 
Father's house — for I have sworn it 

(David pauses, looks at Jonathan reflectively 
— march — enter Abishai u e followed by forces 
halt — march ends — 
David It rends my heart to see thee thus 
For thou hast been a friend in all 
That claims a kindred in the thought. 
Yet I reflect that providence is kind — 
What fate decrees, that man must needs abide 
It boots not to resist both wind and tide." 
Abishai Hail to thee, king David. 
Company Hail, King of Israel ! 

(Abishai offers to place crown on David's head' 
David wards it off. Enter Michal r 2 e approach- 
ing David.) 
Michal Wouldst thou deny the prophecy? 

[David submits to the placing. Michal places the 
crown upon his head] 
Abishai Hail our chiet and king in David. 
Company Long live the king in victory. 
1'luto [appearing 1 fj Oh, 1 am undone, undone, 
And still my master chides. — Victory — 

CURTAIN. 

THE END 



EPILOGUE. 

My dear sir, if you have only read the play, 

To see it would have been the better way, 

Because the actors rendering the parts, 

Would have embellished much the poet's art, 

And brought you to and understanding plainer 

Of what the situations and demeanor — 

The stress of attitude and the behavior 

Of people brought to friendship's noble labor. 

Much could be said to enlarge the noble feelings, 

Of thoughts, and sentiments and manly gleanings. 

Of emotions, passions and endearing phrases, 

As touching David and his lovely maid. 

The solitude of pleasure and content, 

Of happy moments, with a loved one spent; 

The liner pathos of a hnished hour, 

In shades of home, and of a native bower; 

In action that the words can never show 

Nor can imagination over shadow, 

The missing links between a word and act, 

To bring the thing to finish as to fact; 

In holding up to nature actions mirror; 

Or suiting to the act, the word, the smile; 

The words to acts, the moments to beguile; 

And hold the auditors to their content 

With flashes of true wit and merriment; 

Yet as you cannot act and read it too, 

We hope it pleased you as you read it through. 

With David's courage you must have been well pleased! 

His love lor Michal and his manly ease, 

Content to fathom every envious trait, 

That he might serve his master and the state; 

And leave to future a lesson that's divine 

In servitude and leadership sublime. 

Did not his love for Jonathan amaze you? 

Did not his great fidelity enchant you? 

Did not his charity complete the rhyme, 

Of love's true portion and great mercys chime? 

And did it not astonish you to see 

His mastership in traits of fealty? 

In nature's realm none o'ershadows him 

In all that man or manhood can take in. 

His antics in the court of bold King Achish 

Were neat and suited to exigencies, 

Sufficient in deception and device, 



78 EPILOGUE. 



To throw the selfish monarch from his choice, 

And cause him to reflect on consequences, 

And challenge his attendants irom entrances. 

Effecting David's life and future course, 

As much as his own weal or moral force. 

And after he had vanquished every plot, 

He bowed with manhood to his advanced lot, 

Kneeling in due meekness for the crown, 

To have seen it acted would have called us down. 

Was it not grand to see Michal appear, 

And fill the scene with loveliness and cheer. 

Subduing his true will to still refuse 

The scepter of all Israel and to choose 

The less auspicious ways of station 

Content to be a servant to his nation. 

Now as for Jonathan, he is a marvi 

His love for David in the royal squ :bble, 

Shines forth in splendor as a noonday sun. 

Determined that no duty he will shun, 

He meets, encounters and in much subdues 

The evil genius of King Saul; and shows 

The better part of man's relation to 

His fellow in adversity, and does 

A thing uncomon in most men of fame, 

Of meager walk or of illustrious name. 

Did not his great determination please you? 

And his striking sacrifices o'erwhelm you? 

And was it not in him a trait more fine, 

Than Mars, or Hercules, or Bandywine, 

To cast his mantle at true David's feet. 

Relinquishing his right to royai seat, 

And benig content to serve a king he loved; 

In David, rather than to rise above 

The station that his judgment indicated. 

Instructed that it was the divine will 

That David should be king of Israel. 

His sacrifice was greater far than David's, 

Because his home, his crown, it well divided. 

Besides this, too, he argued with the king 

Against his own advancement and to fling 

The thought of grandeur to the wind, 

Despite the fact that Saul urged him to find 

His avenue as the successor to 

The royal seat, the power; and to view 



EPILOGUE. 79 



His own emoluments; aciiievinents with 

An eye of disapproval and to consummate 

The aim of his creator and preserver, 

In his declining to accept in aught, 

The station of a king or to be taught 

It air that he should seek to fill a seat, 

That in his judgment was not clearly mete 

Nor proper for him, in as much as he, 

Was not the being sought by divinity. 

For Saul, no doubt, you've but few words of oheer, 

Because his conduct to you seems quite queer; 

And indeed it was, because he'd no excuse 

For his bad humors nor his vile abuse 

Of daughter, son and servant at one time, 

In act., and word, and musings of his mind. 

Had he n ot sinned and knew the weaker part 

Of man's attempt to master by fine art, 

The will oi his Creator, in those higher things 

He would not have been frantic in his dreams, 

Nor sought to destroy David; nor his spleen 

Would never have at Jonathan been aimed, 

Nor would he, as he did, the priesthood blame. 

But when ha prostrate fell before the prophet, 

If envy you had for him that must stop it, 

Because it leveled him to his true station, 

Defeated as the ruler of a nation, 

After his forgiveness, and the service 

Both David and Jonathan, had given. 

And when he died you could not have rejoiced, 

Because he could not have in it a choice, 

His spirit spent its force, subdued in grief, 

Convinced of right in Jonathan's belief. 

And he has voiced it you remember that, 

His broken-hearted death will answer pat, 

The allegation herein I've aimed at. 

Let us leave him to his final peace — 

Nor yet disturb his last solace, 

Of slumber, under sin, as it at best 

Is all sufficient in its rough behests, 

Regretting, if we have regret at all, 

That Jonathan went with him in the fall. 

As for Pluto, well you knew his bent, 

Was the distraction of them all, and went 

Y show the depths a nature may descend, 



80 



EPILOGUE 



In seeking to achieve, when ill's the end — 
And to excuse in much the evil art, 
In Saul's demeanor and his peevish part. 
This character was brought to requisition, 
And caused to make in much the explanation 
Of Saul's true inwardnes#, and his mind, 
Concerning much that sense could never find. 
His merriment must have pleased you much, 
And his oft defeat your finer feelings touched, 
Remembering his oft repeated plots, 
His subtle manner and his apish lot, 
His soaring eloquence, and, his irony, 
Conceived in spleen, and voiced in enmity, 
His averace, and his consuming desire, 
To capture David, and the king acquire; 
To consume all so he could have his way. 
And bring to hia true level, in the clay 
The sou! of David, from his purity. 
Thai he has pleased I think we all can say, 
And of ail the parts developed in this play, 
I thmk in much the remainder must give way, 
To the satisfaction gained in his defeat, 
And Pluto's overthrow, and his retreat, 
Fro-n the first curtain to the last complete 
as lor the other characters, they've the part, 
And in their station did a thing right smart, 
To aid the consumation of our aim, 
in seeking entertainment and the name, 
Or having edified at least in part, 
The student and the peruser of the play. 
Much would be gained to see it played, 
And in the acting matters clearly laid, 
Before the auditor as well as word, 
Unless you are one of the common herd 
That applaud claptrap and oft extol the clown 
While on the finer features, often frown. 
Its with regret we must often admit, 
That buffoonery will the human humor fit. 
Before the art that elevates the mind, 
But, of course you're not one of that kind, 
And if you want a lesson that will suit you, 
Just join the order that we have referred to, 
It will not hurt you and may do you good — 
At least I think so, don't you, if you should? 

G. A. Lafayette. 



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